Location: Jefferson County, AR | Metro: Grant County, AR HUD Metro FMR Area
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $800 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,612 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,805 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,046 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $970 | $72,372 | 1.34% | A |
| 3BR | $1,260 | $178,688 | 0.71% | D |
| 4BR | $1,390 | $272,601 | 0.51% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 71602, White Hall, Arkansas, for fiscal year 2024 is set at $930. This figure represents the payment standard for Section 8 housing vouchers in your area. It's important to understand that this is not the rent you will charge your tenants; it's the maximum amount that the Housing Authority will pay on behalf of the tenant. Your actual rent can be higher, but the tenant must cover the difference out-of-pocket.
To put this into context, the average rent in ZIP 71602, according to recent Census American Community Survey data, is $937. This suggests that the FMR is slightly below the market rate, which could make it challenging to find properties that meet the voucher requirements. However, given the high demand for rental housing in the area, with 40.8% of households being renters, there is a significant opportunity for landlords who can provide affordable units.
The median household income in ZIP 71602 is around $135,540, which might seem high, but it's crucial to remember that this figure includes homeowners and other types of dwellers. The actual income level of potential Section 8 tenants will likely be much lower, closer to the federal poverty guidelines, which are used to determine eligibility for the program.
Before deciding to participate in Section 8 with your first rental property, verify that your property meets the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) required by the local Housing Authority. These standards ensure that the home is safe, decent, and sanitary for tenants. If your property does not meet these criteria, you may need to invest in repairs or improvements, which could affect your overall financial planning and return on investment.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.